Job description

A firefighter gives a local resident fire safety advice

Principal aim

To protect and save people and property from fire and other hazards, in the most competent and effective manner, to the highest possible standard of care and quality.

Role

To act as part of an operational firefighting team in order to carry out the requirements of the principal aim and to work safely without risk to the public, other members of the team or the individual.

Duties and responsibilities

Emergencies

  • Respond immediately and safely to all emergency calls and requests for assistance.
  • Deal with emergencies as directed and work effectively and efficiently as a member of a disciplined team.
  • Minimise distress and suffering, including giving first aid care.

Dealing with people

  • Establish and maintain the confidence of members of the public.
  • Maintain links with the community.
  • Be sensitive to the needs of others, particularly with regard to fairness at work issues.

Fire safety

  • Give general fire safety advice and guidance to people when requested.
  • Carry out routine inspection of premises.
  • Work to help educate members of the community about the risks and hazards of fire.
  • Assist in service initiatives, programmes and strategies to reduce fire calls.

Health and safety

  • Recognise health and safety issues at work and deal with them to minimise or eliminate the degree of hazard or risk.
  • Ensure personal safety and that of others at all times.

Personal fitness

  • Keep a level of physical and medical fitness necessary to carry out all the duties of firefighter.

Equipment

  • Maintain all firefighting and emergency equipment in a state of readiness, including cleaning, repairing and testing as required and to approved standards and procedures.
  • Check firefighting resources provided for fire service use, including hydrants and fixed installations.

Local geography

  • Know the local streets, roads and buildings situated around the fire station area.
  • Be aware of the risks, possible hazards and water supplies to be found within the fire station area.

Administration

  • Complete basic paperwork and routine administration, including recording of information.
  • Use information technology as required and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
  • Keep personal records up to date.

Training

  • Take part in a continuous training programme by attending lectures, exercises, practice drill sessions and other forms of training to maintain competence levels.
  • Attend training courses as directed.

Fire Authority

  • Undertake such other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility and expertise as may be required from time to time.
Cooking
Cooking
Never leave cooking unattended. Drinking alcohol and cooking is a recipe that can end up in disaster.